International Overdose Awareness Day in Madison: How to Get Involved
Every year on August 31, communities around the world come together for International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD)—a day of remembrance, support, and action. Here in Madison, Wisconsin, Safe Communities and the African American Opioid Coalition (AAOC) invite you to a powerful free event at Olbrich Park to honor lives lost to overdose, support those who are grieving, and raise awareness about the ongoing impact of overdose in Dane County.Why IOAD Matters in Dane County
While we’ve seen a hopeful 20% decrease in overdose deaths from 2023 to 2024 (provisional data), overdose remains the leading cause of death for people ages 18–54 in Dane County. The crisis continues to evolve, with fentanyl and other synthetic opioids driving fatalities. In 2023:- 144 people in Dane County lost their lives to overdose.
- Black residents were 4 times more likely to die of an overdose than the county average.
- 32% of overdose deaths were among BIPOC individuals.
- Adults 55+ now represent the fastest-growing group impacted.
What to Expect at This Year’s Event
Our 2025 event is about more than remembering—it’s about honoring lives lost to overdose and drug poisoning, supporting those who are grieving, and raising awareness about the impact of overdose in Dane County. This year, we’re focusing on giving the event back to those most impacted. This is what you can expect: 12–2 PM:- Resource Fair featuring local organizations
- Safe Communities
- African American Opioid Coalition
- GRASP: Grief Recovery After a Substance Passing
- 5 Door Recovery
- Community Medical Services
- Behavioral Health Resource Center
- CAYA Clinic, Inc
- Dane County EMS
- UW Health Compass Program
- NAMI
- Focused Interruption
- UnityPoint Health – Meriter NewStart
- WIsconsin Opioid Overdose Response Center
- Hanna Medical Clinic
- Rogers Behavioral Health
- Madison Area Recovery Initiative (MARI) – Madison Police Department
- Mini Narcan Trainings
- Provided by Dane County EMS
- Memorial Sign-Making
- Free Pizza & Kona Ice
- Face painting
- Yard Games
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- Program & Memorial Ceremony
- Emcee, Dr. Corinda Rainey-Moore
- Safe Communities Board President
- Dane County Board
- Commendation
- Bev Kelley-Miller
- Memorial Quilt
- Emcee, Dr. Corinda Rainey-Moore
- Program & Memorial Ceremony
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- Attendees will have the chance to speak about loved ones they’ve lost in an open, supportive space.
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- Healing Circle & Water Ceremony led by Be the Light Shamanic Healing
- Jessica Riphenburg, Shamanic Practitioner and founder of Be The Light Shamanic Healing, will offer a healing ceremony for those who have lost loved ones to overdose. This compassionate and inclusive gathering is open to people of all faiths and backgrounds, offering a loving and supportive space for remembrance, connection, and emotional healing.
- Memorial Sign Display along Atwood Avenue—visible tribute to lives lost in our community.
This year is about giving the event back to those most impacted—amplifying voices, honoring loved ones authentically, and creating space for healing.
How You Can Get Involved
✔️ Attend the Event Join us at Olbrich Park on August 31. Bring your family, friends, or come solo—you are welcome here. ✔️ Share Your Story If you’ve lost a loved one, you’ll have the opportunity to speak during the memorial program. ✔️Create a Sign Create a sign for your lost loved one to be include in the Memorial Sign Display at Olbrich Park along Atwood Ave from August 22 – September 5. Blank signs can be picked up from the Safe Communities Office (2352 S Park St Ste 302 Madison) and returned by August 20 to include in the display. Or you can create a sign at the event, if you aren’t able to create a sign yourself we would be honored to complete one for you, just fill out this form, https://forms.gle/yjk8RvpSzFQHUa9r6.
✔️ Host an O.A.K. Box
Support overdose prevention year-round by installing an Overdose Aid Kit (O.A.K.) at your business, school, or community site. Learn more: safercommunity.net/kf-oak-boxes
✔️ Spread the Word
Share this event with your networks.
Let’s come together this August 31 to remember, reflect, and build a safer, more compassionate Dane County.
Feel free to reach out to lroe@safecommunities.org with any questions.